Councillor quits Tories and says treatment of Meghan Gallacher was ‘final straw’

A Conservative councillor in North Ayrshire has quit the party, saying its treatment of former leadership contender and MSP Meghan Gallacher was the “final straw” which led to his decision.

Councillor Todd Ferguson said senior figures in the party had launched “another cowardly smear campaign against Meghan” by leaking the outcome of her complaint about Tory MP John Lamont.

Ms Gallacher, a central Scotland MSP, had formally complained about Mr Lamont, claiming he had threatened her career – allegations he strongly denies.

In September last year, Ms Gallacher finished third behind Russell Findlay and Murdo Fraser in the Scottish Conservative leadership contest.

On Tuesday, the Scottish Daily Mail reported Ms Gallacher’s complaint was not upheld following a lengthy investigation.

This led to Mr Ferguson posting a lengthy message on social media outlining his decision to leave the Conservatives, saying he did so with a “heavy heart” due to his family’s long association with the party.

He said: “The way Meghan Gallacher MSP, an exceptional politician and inspirational young mother, has been treated by this party, after having the courage and confidence to stand in the leadership contest and then for bravely speaking out about bullying and threatening behaviour, is appalling.

“A complaint was made in good faith. Instead of handling it with the discretion and seriousness it deserved, senior figures have weaponised the findings by leaking them to the Daily Mail to launch another cowardly smear campaign against Meghan.

“That’s not just a failure of process, it’s a failure of character. For me, this is the final straw in a long and growing list.

“There are far too many career politicians in this party who are in it for themselves, not the country…

“It is little wonder the party is being punished in by-elections and polls right across the UK.”

Mr Ferguson said he will sit as an independent but will be watching carefully for any “new political movement” he feels will support the “working class majority” in the UK.

The Scottish Conservatives have suffered a number of councillor defections to Reform UK, including the former leader of the Tory group on Glasgow council, Thomas Kerr.

On Mr Ferguson’s decision to quit, a spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: “We wish Councillor Ferguson well.”

On Ms Gallacher’s complaint, the spokesman added: “The party does not discuss internal matters.”

Ms Gallacher has been approached for comment.